Louth boss Colin Kelly had to laugh when he heard Dublin’s O’Byrne Cup final team being labelled ‘third string’.

Technically, that’s what they are because all 35 or so of Dublin’s 2016 All-Ireland winning panel have been given a January pass.

So the 27 players stand in boss Paul Clarke has fielded in four games so far this month are effectively rated between 35 and 62 in the pecking order.

But the reason Kelly laughed is that Dublin are the one county capable of picking from their development squad and still winning games.

A quick scan through the rookie Dublin team that beat a virtual full strength Kildare side last weekend in Newbridge reveals their remarkable credentials.

Ciaran Reddin, the captain, has two All-Ireland U-21 medals, from 2010 and 2012. In all, nine of the starting team are U-21 medallists from 2010, 2012 or 2014 while seven of the lineup won minor medals in 2012.

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Clarke said: “Ross did really, really well in Kildare. I am delighted for the guy. He has put in some strong club campaigns for Sylvesters for a number of years now. Certainly he has a work ethic and he has great principles.

“And his upbringing is good, his three brothers would have been on the Sylvesters panel. So I am delighted for him.”

The Bord na Mona O’Byrne Cup was the one trophy that eluded Dublin in 2016. Yet setting that record straight in Drogheda tomorrow probably isn’t as much of a motivation for boss Jim Gavin as uncovering fresh talent is.

Clarke, however, would naturally like to bow out as temporary boss with a win.

“I would know a good bit about Meath football from over the years, from coaching out there, and I’ve seen the strength of their squad and what they’re trying to achieve. But Louth beat them. They’re definitely a good side.”